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Australia on Brink of World Cup as Uzbekistan, Jordan and South Korea Qualify

Asia’s expanded 48-team qualifying format sends the top two in each group straight through in a system that makes Australia’s Group C finale decisive

Soccer Football - World Cup - AFC Qualifiers - Group C - Australia v Japan - Perth Stadium, Perth, Australia - June 5, 2025 Australia's Aziz Behich celebrates after scoring their first goal with teammates Richard Wainwright/AAP Image via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. AUSTRALIA OUT. NEW ZEALAND OUT TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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Overview

  • Aziz Behich’s stoppage-time strike gave Australia a 1-0 win over Japan—their first victory against the Samurai Blue in 16 years—and moved the Socceroos three points clear of third-placed Saudi Arabia in Group C.
  • Uzbekistan booked its first ever World Cup berth with a 0-0 draw against the UAE, as goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov’s key saves secured second place in Group A.
  • South Korea extended its streak to 11 consecutive World Cup appearances with a 2-0 victory in Iraq, and Jordan earned a first-time qualification courtesy of Ali Olwan’s hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Oman.
  • Saudi Arabia’s 2-0 triumph over Bahrain in Riffa keeps their hopes alive but leaves Australia’s fate to be decided in their June 10 showdown in Jeddah.
  • Under the expanded format, Asia’s top two teams from each group qualify automatically while third and fourth-place finishers advance to additional playoff rounds.